christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

What Is the Experience Modification Factor, Which Impacts Your Worker’s Compensation Insurance Costs?

When it comes to worker’s compensation claims, do you know where your company stands in relation to others in your industry? This information can have a big influence on your insurance premiums.

What Is an Experience Modification Rating?

An experience modification rating, or Experience Mod, measures your company’s history of worker’s compensation claims against that of other similarly-sized companies in the same industry. In most cases the number is calculated by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), although in some states it falls to another independent agency.

The baseline for an industry-average Experience Mod is 1.0. Each percentage point better or worse equates to one basis point change in rating. For example, if your record is 10 percent better than the industry average, your Experience Mod would be 0.90. Similarly, a rating or 1.10 would equal 10 percent worse.

Managing Your Experience Mod

Experience Mods are not determined simply by the number and amount of claims, but the types of claims can make a significant difference. Injuries that require medical treatment only, with no loss of work time, don’t negatively affect the rating as much as lost time claims do.

You should receive your current Experience Modification Rating Sheet when your annual policy renewal time comes. If you have any questions, consult your insurance agent.

Improve Your Experience Mod with a Dumpster Mover from DJ Products

Moving heavy and awkward dumpsters is one of the biggest causes of workplace injuries. A battery-powered dumpster mover, like our WasteCaddy, lets a single employee easily move trash containers weighing up to 5,000 pounds. Call 800.686.2651 to learn more from our sales engineers.

Efficient Property Management Boosts the Bottom Line

As the nation’s economy continues to recover from the recession, demand for apartments and condominiums has grown. More and more owners are finding that knowledgeable and professional property management teams help optimize their investment by minimizing costs.

Providing Benefits from Day One

A property management team can pay benefits beginning in the pre-construction phase. They work with developers to design marketing strategies such as on-site amenities that appeal to the desired market and provide advice on construction legal requirements.

Once construction starts, the property management team crafts a detailed operational structure for the project, saving the developer from the time-consuming process. Elements include everything from billing systems and insurance to welcome packages for new tenants.

Meeting the “Green” Challenge

Green buildings are a major priority in today’s residential structures, and property management teams have experience in cost-effective methods to comply with energy ordinances. They find resources for loans and other financial incentives to offset the high initial costs.

First Service Residential, a Chicago property management firm, recently implemented a creative cost-savings program in their properties. They ran a promotion offering prizes to teams of managers and staff that uncovered the largest savings in air venting and filtration, piping and steam traps in their corresponding buildings.

Reduce Expenses with Tugs and Movers for Commercial Properties

Efficient trash management is one of the biggest everyday responsibilities for property management companies. Save time and money while reducing workplace injuries by using tugs and movers for commercial properties from DJ Products. Visit our website to learn more about our WasteCaddy, a battery-powered tug that moves dumpsters up to 5,000 pounds.

DOD Moves Towards Commercial Buying

Looking for Something to Help Lift and Tug Your Heavy Equipment? We Can Help!

The 2016 Defense Authorization bill initiated a process of streamlining the DoD acquisition system by moving power into the hands of military service chiefs and secretaries. Congress recently agreed on the 2017 bill, which continues the reform aimed at encouraging more commercial buying.

Removing the Roadblocks to Commercial Acquisition

According to Bill Greenwalt, a Senior Senate Armed Services committee staffer, the shift toward commercial purchasing occurred 20 years ago, but the system was less agile than it was hoped. Leaders of the Defense committees hope to take advantage of the high level of innovation occurring in the commercial sector.

Greenwalt goes on to explain that, while Part 12 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation grants the DoD authority to purchase from commercial companies, it was laden with clauses that made it difficult to do so. Such regulations are actually meant to cover acquisition of major weapons systems.

New Pilot Program for 2017

The preference for commercial contractors extends to services including construction, medical and transportation as well as products. The new bill also mandates a new pilot program allowing the DoD to bypass requests for proposals for purchases of “innovative commercial items” up to $100 million in favor of open calls to industry.

Industrial Tugs for Defense Contractors from DJ Products

Reduce expenses and save manpower with our comprehensive line of battery-powered industrial tugs for defense contractors. A single employee using these tugs can maneuver boats, aircraft, missiles and other heavy equipment with ease. Use the handy chat feature on our website and let our friendly sales engineers help you select the right option for your application.

The Right Tool for Tight Trash Room Spaces

Do your employees expend unnecessary time and energy maneuvering dumpsters from tight trash room spaces to curbside pick-up spots? With the WasteCaddy, a battery-powered ride-on dumpster puller from DJ Products, a single employee can handle this difficult task with ease.

Improve Productivity and Efficiency with a Dumpster Puller

The WasteCaddy measures only 27″ wide so it can navigate narrow trash rooms and tight corners equally well. A bolt-on receiver and cotter pin construction forms a sturdy connection to any trash container, and the steel frame and three 36-volt batteries are powerful enough to pull up to 5,000 pounds.

The path between the trash room and curbside pick-up spot is rarely a smooth one. There may be an incline leading up to street level, or bad weather conditions can create snowy or slippery areas. Thanks to foam-filled tires and electric power, the WasteCaddy travels well on any surface.

Reduce Workplace Injuries and Insurance Claims

Since the trash room presents the highest risk of injuries in multi-family properties, use of our dumpster puller is considered a best practice by property management companies. Safety features include:

• Maximum speed of 6 MPH in forward and 2 MPH in reverse

• High-tech speed controller

• Adjustable acceleration and braking

• Neutral throttle braking

• Variable speed thumb twist grips to prevent repetitive motion injuries

DJ Products: Your Solution for Effective Material Handling

In addition to the WasteCaddy, we carry a full line of battery-powered tugs, movers and pullers. Call 800.686.2651 or visit our website and let our friendly sales engineers help you choose the best solution for your company’s needs.

Cut Workman’s Comp Claims with a Dumpster Mover

Buy a Waste Caddy to Lower Injuries Today!

What’s the price of workplace safety? According to the Economic Policy Institute, 8.5 million work-related injuries occur annually for a total cost of $192 billion.

The National Safety Council names overexertion as the #1 cause of workplace injuries. Many of these incidents occur in the trash room, where employees are frequently moving heavy, bulky dumpsters. Is there a way to reduce this common risk?

Cut Down on Workplace Injuries with a Dumpster Pusher from DJ Products

Workers comp reports list a wide range of injuries, from basic back strains to serious lacerations and broken bones, that are related to trash room operations. Our battery-powered WasteCaddy dumpster pusher takes over the bulk of the task, minimizing the physical strain on your employees.

The WasteCaddy allows a single employee to maneuver bulky dumpsters weighing up to 5,000 pounds, immediately improving productivity by 50 percent. Instead of allocating two employees to the task, you are free to assign the second person to other duties.

The WasteCaddy can be used by employees of any height, age or gender. Still skeptical? Listen to one of our satisfied clients, who says: “It’s like having another employee on staff … The other guy is now available to do more important things, like respond to resident requests. That’s a big deal!”

Can You Afford to Be Without a WasteCaddy?

You’ll be amazed at the difference our WasteCaddy dumpster pusher will make in workplace injuries and workers comp claims. Visit our website today and use the convenient online chat feature to learn more from our friendly and knowledgeable sales engineers.

The Trump Presidency May Boost Department of Defense Contracting Purchases

President-elect Donald Trump has yet to be sworn into office, but he’s already having an effect on some sectors. As Trump prepares to take office, major defense firms are anticipating a surge in defense spending.

Effects of the Election on Defense Firms

Actually, defense firms were expecting an uptick in business even if Hillary Rodham Clinton had won the election. Signs such as solid third-quarter earnings for Northrop Grumman were seen as predictors of healthy defense spending.

While the stock market initially suffered a sharp drop immediately following Trump’s victory, it quickly rebounded to post a record high of 18,808. Gains by defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing led the rally.

Positive Signs Pointing to Increased Defense Spending

Factors behind this surge in optimism include:

• The 2013 budget sequestration implemented significant cuts in military spending. Analysts expect the Republican administration and Republican-controlled House and Senate to work together on eliminating these financial caps.

• During his campaign, Trump vowed to make significant additions to all military branches and argued for fast-track modernization of the country’s nuclear force. At this point, however, there is no specific outline as to how the spending will be funded.

Looking for a Solution to Moving Equipment for DOD Contractors?

Are you prepared for more robust defense spending? Moving equipment for DOD contractors is easier and more efficient with our line of battery-powered pushers and movers from DJ Products. Visit our website and let our friendly sales engineers help you select the solution that best suits your needs.

The Future of Self Driving Trucks May Disrupt the Trucking Industry

Trucks without drivers? They may be here sooner than you think, as rapidly advancing autonomous vehicle technology is making self-driving trucks a reality.

Is the Industry Ready for Self-Driving Trucks?

Truck manufacturers, carriers, and the Department of Transportation have supported self-driving trucks as a safety measure. But a recently published study from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) warns that the country’s infrastructure is seriously lagging behind the technology.

The study, titled “Identifying Autonomous Vehicle Technology Impacts on the Trucking Industry,” points out that there is no formal framework in place to cover the integration of self-driving trucks. This void could result in a legal and logistical nightmare.

Catching Up with Technology

According to ATRI’s study, some of the major topics that need to be addressed include:

• Infrastructure funding should be increased to make sure roads are free of potholes and other problems that can hinder self-driving trucks.

• Statutory changes will be necessary for issues such as liability as well as traffic regulations.

• The federal government “must take a leadership role” so that autonomous vehicle technology doesn’t get caught in a snarl of local and state laws.

• Cyber security should be in place to prevent hacks.

Among other benefits, self-driving trucks are seen as a solution to the growing trucker shortage, which the American Trucking Association predicts will reach 175,000 open jobs within 10 years.

Prevent Injuries with a Semi Trailer Pusher from DJ Products

Trucks may be able to drive themselves, but trailers can’t push themselves. Visit our website to learn more about our TrailerCaddy Extreme, a semi trailer pusher that can handle OTR trailers up to 50,000 pounds.

Multi-Family Housing Trends for Property Managers

For today’s renters, the appeal of apartments and condos heavily centers around amenities. As a property manager, you are probably either thinking about what features you can feasibly and affordably add, or you are attempting to compete with a flashy new property in town.

Multi-family housing trends continue to focus on urban lifestyles and luxury amenities. An Avalon property in New Jersey, for example, has added a “bike spa” for storage and repairs.

Attracting today’s Millennial renters and charging higher rents can be accomplished by offering luxury services as well as improving the community feeling through better common areas.

Adapting for 2017 Housing Trends

Property managers have several options for improving the tenant experience, even without a major remodeling. Instead of building new features, many apartments and condos are partnering with nearby businesses like gyms, salons, and even chef schools to offer tenants high-end services and recreation.

Lowering operating costs are also part of the equation. If you can cut energy bills or reduce maintenance staff with automation, you might be able to afford a flashy new amenity.

To that end, property managers are adding tools like “smart” lockers that accept packages and send text alerts to the tenant. A property manager might add a dumpster mover or powered equipment cart to reduce the physical demands of garbage disposal and other daily tasks.

A dumpster mover can help your employees accomplish more, which can lead to benefits like faster maintenance ticket response times and cleaner common areas that boost tenant satisfaction. If your multi-family building needs solutions for more efficient management, check out our WasteCaddy and other dumpster mover solutions.

Highlighting the Dialysis Cart Mover for Hospitals and Clinics

At hospitals and other health facilities, a better environment leads to better care and working conditions. When health workers are empowered with tools to accomplish their tasks more efficiently, everyone benefits.

For administrators, improved conditions can also contribute to reduced operating expenses and better profitability. Injuries due to physical tasks are a major source of increased costs and absences.

Worker injuries can happen even with smaller, lighter equipment such as dialysis carts. That’s because repetitive motions can build up stress and lead to severe musculoskeletal injuries. For nurses and other health care workers who frequently maneuver and move dialysis carts, the risk of wrist, shoulder, and back injuries is significant.

Our Dialysis Cart Mover addresses the most pressing needs of health workers in terms of reducing the weight, difficulty, and repetitive stress related to moving swiveled carts:

• Turn and maneuver dialysis carts in tight spaces

• Reduce stress on arms and back when pushing carts down hallways

• Variable speed for safety and comfort

• Emergency braking switch

With a battery life of 16 hours, the Dialysis Cart Mover can last well beyond a standard work shift. The machine is ready to go when needed, operates quietly, and can be used by virtually any employee because it requires minimal physical strength.

We designed the Dialysis Cart Mover with a white body and sleek design so it blends in neatly with the hospital environment. It has the power of motorized industrialized equipment, and is right-sized for the needs of hospitals and clinics.

Protect your health workers and lower injury risks by requesting a demo or brochure for DJ Products’ Dialysis Cart Mover today.

Protect Your Warehouse Staff with These Cold Weather Tips

Over the last couple of years, many parts of the country have experienced historically severe winter weather. Are you and your warehouse staff prepared for the next few months? Use these helpful cold weather tips to keep employees safe and comfortable during frigid conditions:

• Proper clothing is the first line of defense against cold weather. All employees should be outfitted with thick socks, non-slip boots and insulated gloves as well as snug hats. Dressing in layers is suggested for increased warmth, but make sure that clothes are not so baggy that they pose a safety hazard.

• Employees should take regular breaks in warm areas. You might want to provide a supply of hot beverages for the break room.

• Institute a buddy system so employees can watch each other for signs of distress.

• Add supplemental heating where space permits. Never use carbon monoxide-emitting heaters in closed areas or places with no circulation.

• Remind employees to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. They should also eat nutritious, high-calorie foods to maintain strength and energy.

• Hypothermia, which can occur when body temperature drops below 95 degrees, affects people both mentally and physically. If an employee begins experiencing shivering, confusion and slowed breathing, move the person to a warm area and seek immediate medical attention. Warm them gradually to prevent shock from setting in.

Keep Your Workplace Moving with Industrial Tugs from DJ Products

Battery-powered industrial tugs from DJ Products improve workplace safety year-round during any type of weather. Visit our website where our knowledgeable sales engineers are standing by to help you select the right tug or mover for your jobs.